OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012
C O L L E G E
CHCS News H E I G H T S
Technology in the Classrooms Technology is a HUGE part of today’s society, everyday life, and education. CHCS is right up there with the use of technology in teaching their students, using some of the most up-to-date technology from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade. All teachers at CHCS are using some kind of technology, but I spoke with Mrs. Block, who seemed to be very grateful for the technology she is blessed with. Mrs. Block uses a variety of different devices in the library from computers to a smart board and iPad. Using these help make everyday tasks easier and faster. One of Mrs. Block’s favorite things about having technology options is that it gives her more time to personally help people and students. Another teacher at CHCS that I talked to about the technology she uses in the classroom was Mrs. Davison. Mrs. Davison, the drama teacher, teaches several different classes where technology is a big part in the education. She uses a projector, iPad, lap top, and so much more in just the regular classroom setting. Other than that she uses lights and a sound
See You at the Pole
C H R I S T I A N
S C H O O L
by Daniele Capehart (9th grade)
system in Theatre programs. Technology is what our generation grew up with, it’s what we are used to, and CHCS knows that the best way to get a student to understand is to teach us using something we can relate to.
by Michaela Keele (9th grade)
In 1990, after prayer in public school initiated by teachers or members of the staff was banned, many students began the idea to meet out at the flag pole of their local high school to pray, sing praises to God and read Scripture. Although some schools have attempted to deny their students the rights to this world wide day of prayer, many lawyers have fought to prove that it is their right to free speech to stand under a flag pole on public school property to pray to God. At College Heights, we have the right to stop in the hallways and pray with our friends or our teachers. However, this is not the case in public schools across our nation. Students at public schools started See You at the Pole as a day to bring together the congregation of Christians still in their schools. Although See You at the Pole was not started in America, it has spread quickly throughout the whole world. People in countries in all corners of the globe spend the third Thursday of every September praying to God. After the success of See You at the Pole, people started making Saw You at the Pole a large event as well. Saw You at the Pole is the night after See You at the Pole where Christians meet up again, in case they could not make it to the Pole that morning or possibly they just loved it so much. At Saw You at the Pole, they usually have snacks and Bible studies. Our school celebrates the entire day just a tad bit differently. Our administration is allowed to be a part of the event and many of them participate. We have Saw You at the Pole directly following See You at the Pole and we have our group sessions with donuts.
CHCS News
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Eight Grade Field Trip CHCS 8th grade classes visited the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum on October 31st. While there the students participated in a variety of activities and toured the museum. Mrs. Ohmart says “I believe it was a great success.” Many of the students had positive comments about the trip. “I gained new insight and knowledge into the decision making process…this was an awesome learning experience” said Mattie Beard. Jonah Wilcox had this to say about the trip, “this project gave me a great respect for our current and past presidents and the stress that they have to undergo… that all or most of their decisions have lasting effects on our country and the rest of the world.”
The Baby Project
by Allison Strawn (12th grade)
Ummm… What? A flour sack baby? Some people are excited when it finally comes time, and some are a little annoyed. During your junior year at College Heights, you will end up with a flour sack baby for about a week. That’s right for one whole week during Biblical Relations class, you will carry around a ten pound sack of flour dressed as an infant as though it is your baby. You may be asking yourself why? Mr. Casey, the monitor of the class, has an idea of just why College Heights does this, “[The goal is] to let kids experience being responsible for something, in essence, mimicking parenthood.” For one week students receive a little taste of that responsibility with their “baby.” While not all students may find this enjoyable, those who have done it, can agree it is quite memorable.
CHCS Annual Cougar Carnival This year’s Cougar Carnival was held on October 13th. Student, Parents and friends of CHCS enjoyed a day filled with games, food and fun. Funds raised at the carnival go to individual elementary classrooms and each secondary grade level.
Elementary Chapel Theme Songs by Annie Ashwell
(10th grade)
Each year the CHCS Elementary School has a brand new chapel theme song written and composed by Jane Robertson, Enrichment/After School Teacher for College Heights. This year’s song is called “Growing in Grace.” The title explains it all, and the lyrics include mentions of David, Moses, and Zacheus and how each of them grew stronger. Mrs. Robertson studied music at Ozark Christian College, and has written many songs during her 22 years as a missionary in St. Vincent. “It’s one of the things God created me to do,” she says. She wrote Christian songs in the Caribbean appropriate to the music there. She also recorded an album of original songs in 2000, called “Walk the World,” filled with several styles of music. Mrs. Robertson says that she loves seeing the kids enjoying what she created, and that she plans to continue writing chapel theme songs in the future.
CHCS News
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Elementary Cross Country… A Successful Season
Softball Success
by Michaela Keele (9th grade) Our CHCS Elementary Cross Country runners had a great season. The athletes enjoyed the time they spent at practice and at meets. The top three runners in each age/gender category from our school were: 5th & 6th BOYS 5th & 6th GIRLS • Caleb Wicklund – 1st • Jaden Moore – 1st • Cade Carlson – 3rd (who ran for CHCS but is from TJ)
• Cassandra Roth – 3rd
3rd & 4th GIRLS • Grace Bishop – 1st • Taylor Dunham – 3rd
College Heights finished their season 15-8 and was 5-0 winning their first ever Spring River Valley Conference Championship. “Our four seniors (pitcher Kirsty Green, left fielder Jasmine Johnson, right fielder Hannah Laws and shortstop Allison Sauer), definitely were outstanding leaders,” Jordan said. Coach Phillip Jordan was named Spring River Valley Conference Softball Coach of the Year. Congratulations to our softball team – we are proud of you!
Mr. Clay Runs Marathon
World Joggling Record Shattered Emily Beaver, a College Heights alumnus, has been setting records for years. Emily has won three consecutive Missouri Class 1A Championships in Cross Country and happens to be one of the three people to have done this. Emily’s most recent record, however, covered more than just our state, it covered the whole world!. Breaking the previous record of 6:17 with the new record of 5:47, Emily joggled a mile. No, that was not a typo! Joggling is a combination of both the complicated “art” of juggling with running, or jogging. The previous record set for women was set in 1989, but only broken in 2012 by Emily. Emily broke this sitting record by seventeen seconds, which, to those of us who do not run track or cross country, might not see as much, but it really is quite a bit when running competitively. Emily’s siblings are all runners as well, including her little sister Savannah who broke Emily’s record for the 1600m just last year. Emily’s big brother, Ethan, was the one who got her into running, but it was like a domino effect; they managed to get all four children involved in running and it is a good thing, too, because they have all brought home significant awards from their running competitions.
Matthew Clay, Middle School Science teacher ran in the Mother Road Marathon on October 14th and came in third in his age group, running a 4:15. This was Mr. Clay’s first full marathon. He was also third overall in the Mercy Day Half Marathon on September 29th with a 1:47.
Volleyball Victories Every volleyball team is unique, different players, different strategies and philosophies. This year, our volleyball coaches (Mary Colin and Stephanie Woodmansee) put together a winning team using the talents and skills of each individual player. Coming in co-champions in conference and placing second in districts, this year’s team performed well. In addition to the team doing well, Coach Mary Colin was chosen as Spring River Valley Conference Volleyball Coach of the Year. We are proud of our team and coaches.
Education in Motion
by Haley Hembree
Success by Six is developed by the United Way. Their main focus is on early childhood development. They located in 350 cities around the country. The program brings vans to various schools around the local area and the teachers are allowed to come and shop for what they want to borrow, right out of the van. Then the next time the van rolls around they can return the items and check out new ones. “It is all free of charge,” says Mrs.Chenoweth, “I had heard about them and contacted Paula Goade inquiring about the program. In the van, they have learning games, books, puzzles, stuffed animals etc. Everything they have is fun yet still educational.” This program has been helping teachers enhance their teaching and prepare young children for starting school.
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE The High School Student Council will be hosting the annual THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE November 12th20th. Canned and boxed foods may be dropped off in Mrs. Strawn’s room (L106) for high school student, Mrs. Ohmart’s room for Middle School students and individual classrooms for elementary. A Doughnut party will be awarded to the top point earning Elementary, Middle, and High School classes. There will also be a points battle between the students and faculty. The winning group receiving a dress down day. Please bring your perishable foods on Tuesday, November 20th. Together we can make a difference for families in need this Thanksgiving.
Annual Fund Kick Off CHCS kicked off the 2012-2013 Annual Fund at the end of October. This year’s fundraising effort, Opportunity & Excellence, will focus on three main areas. Technology, Tuition Assistance and Furniture & Equipment. It is our hope, that with God’s help, we will be able to raise $80,000 through this effort. For more information on how to contribute to the Opportunity & Excellence Annual Fund, please contact Anita Zarrabi at 417-782-4114 Ext 227 or by email at azarrabi @collegeheights.org.
Renweb
Thank you for providing greater opportunities and for supporting the quest for excellence at CHCS! MISSION STATEMENT
Parents, don’t forget to take advantage of Renweb, our online school management system. You can check homework assignments, lunch menus, student grades, school calendar, etc. If you are having problems accessing Renweb or have not set up your account, please contact the school. A Renweb phone application is now available. This is a great tool to use to stay informed about your students’ progress.
CHCS glorifies God through excellence as a Christ-centered learning environment that produces servant-leaders with a Biblical worldview.
COLLEGE HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL n 4311 E. NEWMAN ROAD n JOPLIN, MISSOURI 64801 n 471-782-4114 n WWW.COLLEGHEIGHTS.ORG